Author's Note

So this Epilogue was not written by me. I tried to write an Epilogue and told my friend 20PercentCrueler to write an Epilogue as well kind of out of a joke. And he did it, after reading both versions I decided I liked his a lot better so here it is. If you want the original, post it in the comments but it's actually pretty similar.

Epilogue (Guest Author)

The sun slowly crept up over the battle-torn Canterlot, heralding the return of Celestia, as well as her sister and Discord. The ruins glistened with water from the blood that was freshly washed away. Mounds of dirt stood in a line where the royal garden once was, now the resting place for way too many.

They reached the castle, and Discord opened the doors with cheery smile from the victory. But the sisters were so physically exhausted, they could barely keep their legs from giving out under them.

Twilight quickly ran to their aid. She tried to say something, but choked on her words. Those of her closest friends who were present helped them to Celestia’s throne, where Kajiya stood without expression on his face. Rainbow Dash and Spike were recovering in the infirmary.

Celestia worriedly asked about their absence. Twilight still couldn’t speak, so Applejack reassured her that they were ok.

Twilight caught her breath and spoke quietly. “Wh-What do we do now?”

Celestia looked into her large reddened eyes that were begging for answers she just didn’t have.

Kajiya spoke in her place, “Young Princess, where I come from, we honor our dead. We do not let their sacrifice hold us down. We celebrate their lives by mourning their passing, and we hold their memories dear. They will be looking down upon us now, and we do not want them to see us in such a way. We do what we can, and nothing more.”

Celestia looked over to her sister, and they nodded in agreement. Celestia sent Flash Sentry to summon the ponies of Equestria.

In due time, the royal hall was filled with ponies, young and old, beaten and healthy, veterans and refugees. All who could move their legs were gathered before the princess to hear her words.

The royal Canterlot voice echoed from Celestia, bringing all before her to order. “Today, my dear friends, we have gathered here to honor those who have fallen, so that we may rise. Though they may no longer be with us, they are as alive as they have ever been.”

Luna handed Celestia a large scroll. Celestia took a deep, bracing breath before opening and reading from its solemn words. “We honor Private Sour Chord, we honor Thunderlane, we honor…” Celestia continued. Crying erupts from the friends and family of the names that are read. Many of which did not receive the news until this event. The hall filled with sounds of crying and sadness.

Celestia continued to read. She tried to seem strong for her subjects, but many could now see her falter as the list came to an end. At last, after what seemed like days, she began to read the final name.

"We honor Captain... Shinni... Shin..." Celestia's mouth quivered as she read the name. The hall was silent. The only thing that could be heard was the soft patter of tears striking the floor beneath the ruler of the land. Even Discord was for once without a joke or witty remark. Twilight walked over and hugged her former teacher. The splashing of extra tears in the growing puddle echoed throughout the hall . . .

Cadance looked over her Empire from her bedroom. She saw thousands of white tents that contained refugees from the war. She had received word earlier that day that the war was over, and they had won. The first trains were now docked at the station, ready to leave.

Cadance looked down to the small object in her hoof. It’s Blue. Shining will be so happy . . . I wonder if he’ll like the name Skyla?

Cadance heard three soft knocks at her door, and turned to answer them.